Federal Member for Pearce, Christian Porter, has announced that the Liberal Government will provide $50,000 in grant funding for local community commemorations in Pearce to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in 2018.

“Next year Australians will pause and reflect on the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War,” Mr Porter said.

“From a population of fewer than five million people, 416,809 men enlisted, of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.

“Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914.

“Every year on Anzac Day we mark anniversary of day the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed on Gallipoli in Turkey.

“It is the day we honour the service and sacrifice of every Australian who served in the First World War and all those who have subsequently served.”

Mr Porter said that organisations in Pearce will share in a funding pool of $50,000, with grants of between $3,000 and $50,000 available. Expressions of interest will be considered by the Community Consultation Committee, whose role will be to seek the community’s views on how best to commemorate the Centenary of Armistice.

“I encourage groups in Pearce to apply for funding under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program to mark this important milestone in Australia’s history,” he said.

“This grants program supports projects or activities that commemorate the end of the First World War and will open on 11 November 2017.

“Expressions of interest should be lodged with my office prior to the application period opening.”